Features January to June 2021

Features January to June 2021

Item 2101
Bristol Temple Meads station refurbishment Work commenced January 2021;
Item 2102
Reopening the branch to Okehampton - A collection of pictures

Item 2103 Relaying the St Ives branch

Item 2104   Remember the Royal Mail trains. Paul Barlow

Item 2105 Trewoon gets a new bridge.

Item 2106     St Austell Goods Station through the up & down loop to St Austell Station

Item 2107 Accident on the Fowey branch. Guy Vincent
and additional Fowey branch passenger specials in 1994.

Item 2108 The closure of Newquay signalbox - a photographic record by Alan Peters and Gary Rainbow.

Item 2109 The 'Private Charter' to and from Penzance 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th April 2021.

Item 2110 The story of 'Ixon' and a collection of D1015 Western Champion, Paul Barlow.

Item 2111 'G7 and all that'. A collection of pictures of railway happenings associated with the conference at Carbis Bay in early June.

Item 2112 Railtours into Cornwall Spring and early Summer 2021

Item 2113   THE GRANGE CLASS of the GWR An article by Michael L. Roach

Item 2114 Royal Train Formation 11th June 2021 An article by Guy Vincent.

Item 2114
Royal Train Formation 11th June 2021
An article by Guy Vincent.

Following the recent visit of the Royal Train to Cornwall it is perhaps an appropriate time to take a closer look at the formation and vehicles used.

1Z95 1210 Windsor & Eton Riverside - St Austell was formed : 67006 2921 2903 2904 2922 2923 2916 2917 2915 2920 10546 67005

1) 2921 Royal Household Couchette, Kitchen and Bathroom. Previous numbers 14107 17107 Converted 1986

2) 2903 HM The Queen's Lounge, Bedroom & Bathroom. Previous number 11001 (TF) Built 1972 as part of the prototype HST set 252001. Converted in 1977.

3) 2904 HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's Lounge, Bedroom & Bathroom. Previous number 12001 (TS) Built 1972 as part of the prototype HST set 252001. Converted in 1977.

4) 2922 HRH The Prince of Wales's Sleeping Car. Purpose-built in 1987

5) 2923 HRH The Prince of Wales's Saloon. Purpose-built in 1987

6) 2916 Royal Family Dining Car / Kitchen. Previous number 40512 (TRFK) Converted 1986

7) 2917 Royal Household Dining Car / Kitchen. Previous Number 40514 (TRFK) Converted 1986

8) 2915 Royal Household Sleeping Car. Previous Number 10735. Converted 1985

9) 2920 Royal Household Couchette Diesel Generator & Brake Van. Previous Numbers 14109 17109 Converted 1986

10) 10546 Sleeping Car DB Cargo Owned

The train made a delightful sight as it made its way west through the Somerset countryside. Sadly for linesiders the return was under cover of darkness although an hours break was taken at Westbury where the water tanks on the coaches were replenished.

Photo of full train headed by 67006 taken by Cathy V. Remainder (of the stock passing Berkley Marsh) taken by myself. Final image of the return in P2 at Westbury taken by 'A.Driver' who wishes to remain anonymous.

Best regards

Guy Vincent.

Berkley Marsh 67006 1Z95 11th June 2021 Copyright Cathy Vincent.

Royal Train (1) 2921 (14107 - 17107) 11th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (2) 2903 (11001) 11th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (3) 2904 (12001) 11th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vimcent

Royal Train (4) 2922 11th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (5) 2923 11th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (6) 2916 (40512) 11th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (7) 2917 (40514) 11th June .2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (8) 2915 (10735) 11th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (9) 2920 (14109 - 17109) 11th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Royal Train (10) 10546 11th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 12th June 2021 1Z95 Early hours - taken by the driver who wishes to remain anonymous, Copyight

Many thanks to Guy and Cathy Vincent

Item 2113
THE GRANGE CLASS of the GWR Michael L. Roach
A useful mixed traffic class

THE GRANGE CLASS of the GWR Michael L. Roach
A useful mixed traffic class
The Grange class was introduced by the Great Western Railway in 1936 and the design was derived from the Churchward Moguls of 1911 and shared many components with the Hall Class of 1928. All the main dimensions and fittings were similar to the Hall Class except that the diameter of the driving wheels was reduced by 4 inches (101.6mm). This gave a useful increase in tractive effort of 6 percent but more importantly gave the Grange class better hill-climbing abilities. The class proved particularly useful on lines with switchback gradients like the Cornish main line. Of the 258 Hall class many entered preservation soon after withdrawal from British Railways and many later from Barry scrapyard. Of the 80 Grange class built every single one was withdrawn and cut up leaving none in preservation; however this gap is now being filled with the construction of the 81st Grange by the Betton Grange Society. In this short feature we will see four examples of the class on typical duties in Devon and Cornwall in the summer of 1961. In the last picture we see 6860 waiting to take over a train at Plymouth Station. I travelled on the train as far as Bodmin Road and it kept time with 12 coaches weighing in the region of 420 tons. The train was allowed three hours to reach Penzance and the limit for a Grange over the route was 385 tons.
MLR/ 27 May 2021

4890 6849 Walton Grange is seen at Kingswear on the 3.05pm to Cardiff (reached at 8.35pm) on 17 June 1961. 6849 was based at St. Phillips Marsh at the time. Copyright Micheal L Roach

4894 Truro based 6828 Trellech Grange is seen coasting downhill at Respryn, west of Bodmin Road, with an express freight train of 32 wagons on the afternoon of Sunday 18 June 1961. Copyright Michael L Roach

4911 6836 Estevarney Grange is seen at Dainton piloting the 12.35pm Plymouth to Newton Abbot local train, which took 65 minutes for the 32 miles with two stops. The date is 15 July 1961. 6836 moved on to Pontypool Road Shed three months later. Copyright Michael L. Roach

4923 6860 Aberporth Grange is seen at Plymouth Station at about 1.30pm on 5 August 1961. The loco is waiting to take over the 7.25am Ealing Broadway to Penzance which was running half an hour late. The loco had arrived at Laira Shed two months earlier and was stored the following month. Copyright Michael L. Roach

Many thanks Mike

Railtours to Cornwall & Devon
Spring and early Summer 2021

Devon Express Charter
9th June 2021

On 9th June 2021 Ex. LMS 4-6-0s Nos. 46100 'Royal Scot' and No.45231 'Sherwood Forester' pass Cowley Bridge Junc. working the 1Z70 06:00 Solihull to Plymouth, Devonian Express charter. Copyright Keith Turley.

46100 and 45231 pass Exminster at lunchtime 9th June 2021. Copyright David Tozer

LMS 4-6-0 46100 'Royal Scot' and LMS Stanier 4-6-0 Black Five 45231 'The Sherwood Forester' with 47614 on the rear with the 1Z70 06.00 Solihull - Plymouth charter operated by Saphos Train returning with the delayed 1Z72 17.00 Plymouth - Solihull. The first two pictures are at Langford Bridge just west of what was Aller Junction at 13.30. Although overcast there was a bit of brightness unlike at Brent at 17.37 in the third picture which can best be described as 'dreich'. Irrespective of the weather these were a magnificent sight.
Regards. Clive Smith.

46100 Royal Scot 45231 Sherwood Forester - Langford Bridge, Aller. Copyright Clive Smith

47 614 on the back at - Langford Bridge, Aller. Copyright Clive Smith

Clearing Totnes. 46100 with 45231 clearing Totnes with 1Z70 06.00 Solihull-Plymouth, running 7 late at 13.40. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Nos. 46100 and 45231 clear Ivybridge, 0600 Solihull-Plymouth, 9th June 2021 2021. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Turning the train at :Laira

46100 and 45231 on Speedway Curve, Laira, 9th June 2021. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

The returning charter:-

46100 'Royal Scot' with 45231 'Sherwood Forester' at platform 5 awaiting departure for Solihull 9th June 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

mouth working 1Z72 17.00 to Solihull, running 14 late. 9th June 2021. Copyright Andrew Tiggs.

Beautifully caught. 46100 and 45231 passing Laira, 1700 to Solihull, 09.06.2021. RESIZED. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

46100 Royal scot 45231 Sherwood Forester head up past Stoke Canon on the 1700 Plymouth to Solihull 9 June 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Ex. LMS Royal Scot No.46100 'Royal Scot' leads Black five No.45231 'Sherwood Forester' at Cullompton on 9th June 2021, working the 1Z72 17:00 Plymouth to Solihull , the returning Devonian Express charter, Class 47 No.47853 is on the rear of the train. Copyright Keith Turley.

Royal Scot to Paignton & Kingswear
Saturday 6th June 2021

The run to Paignton.

Cogload 46100 the Royal Scot. 6th June 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

Bringing up the rear at Cogload D1935 now 47805 6th June 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

LSL Operated The English Riviera Express headed by 46100 Royal Scot . 6th June 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Through the trees. Exwick Flood Channel 46100 heads the 0907 Bristol to Kingswear over Exwick flood channel Exeter. 6th June 2021, Copyright Paul Barlow

47805 trails on the rear of the 0907 Bristol to Kingswear over Exwick flood channel Exeter. Copyright PaulBarlow 6th June 2021.

210606ab 46100 Royal Scot passes through Torquay with the English Riviera Express. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606a 46100 Royal Scot passes through Torquay with the English Riviera Express. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606c Churston Station the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway open today. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606d Viewed at Churston Station. Take a Steam Train and boat trip on the River Dart with the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606e 5239 passes through Churston with the 12.55 Kingswear to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606f 46100 Arrives at Churston for coaling and turning. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606f Coaling the Royal Scot at Churston. Copyrigh Roger Winnen

210606g After coaling Royal Scot heads to the turntable at Churston. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606h Turning 46100 Royal Scot at Churston with 75014 in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606i The Royal Scot at Paignton Queens Park Station receiving maintenance before returning to Kingswear for the 16.40 departure to Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

The return working.

210606j The return English Riviera Express heads through Teignmouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210606k 46100 Royal Scot passes Teignmouth at 17.44 bound for Exeter, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads.. Copyright Roger Winnen

The return of 46100 at Stoke Canon Copyright David Tozer 6th June 2021

Royal Scot return working 6th June 2021. Stoke Canon. Copyright Keith Turley.

The Statesman
Wednesday 2nd June 2021

Wolverhampton to Penzance

Taunton
Evening Keith/Roger
Taken yesterday at Taunton, 1Z45 05.10 Wolverhampton-Penzance 'Cornish Statesman Pullman' with 47593 & 47614 from the replacement '50 Steps' footbridge (2.6.2021).
All the Best
Andrew

Taunton - the Cornish Riviera Statesman heads west (1) . Copyright Andrew Triggs

Taunton - the Cornish Riviera Statesman heads west (2) . Copyright Andrew Triggs

Taunton - the Cornish Riviera Statesman heads west (3) . Copyright Andrew Triggs

47593 and 47614 at Cogload 2nd June 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

LSL operated class 47s Nos.47593 'Galloway Princess' and No.47614 pass Stoke Canon in pouring rain on 2nd June 2021, working the 1Z45 05:10 Wolverhampton to Penzance 'Cornish Riviera Statesman' charter. Copyright Keith Turley.

Here are my offerings. Thankfully the rain held off but dull skies all round. I went to Totnes hoping the tour's booked stop on the through road would happen giving me the chance of two shots instead of hammering through. Luckily it did stop. I also managed a return shot at Newton Abbot. Hope you are well. Regards to Keith. All the best Copyright Clive Smith

My second offering at Totnes as the train pulls away from the through road. Copyright Clive Smith

47593/614(853) provide a spectacle for the golfers at Carlyon Bay with the 1Z45 the 05:10 Wolverhampton - Penzance running right time 2nd June 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast

The down Statesman 1Z45 at Polkyth Copyright Julian Stephens

The 47's have completed the climb for Truro and are now coasting down towards Blackwater viaduct - seen here at Penstraze 2nd June 2021. Copyright Neville King

Blackwater viaduct. 2nd June 2021. Copyright Neville King.

Trevingey Crossing. 47 593 dashes onto the crossing. 2nd June 2021 Lana Harris

A second shot at Trevingey Crossing, 47593 Galaway Princess. 2nd June 2021. Copyright Lana Harris.

The down Statesman seen cruising down the bank at Penponds. 2nd June 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

210602a 47593 Galloway Princess and 47614 crosses Hayle Viaduct on route to Penzance with the Cornish Riviera Statesman. Copyright Roger Winnen

210602b 47593 Galloway Princess and 47614 heads Cornish Riviera Statesman to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Cornish Riviera Statesman at Rosevidney near St Erth with kind permission of the land owner. Copyright Roger Salter

210602c Motive power of the tour under the roof at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210602d The tour is seen backing out to slopers siding for an engines run around. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Cornish Riviera Statesman - the return journey

210602e Backing back from slopers siding at 14.49 for its departure to Wolverhampton at 15.00hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen

210602f Edging slowly to the buffer stops at Penzance where the lead engine 47614 will be off the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

210602g 47614 and 47593 Galloway Princess await the right away at 15.00hrs with the Cornish Riviera Statesman to Wolverhampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Having crossed Guildford Viaduct we see the Up Statesman at Angarrack road overbridge. . 2nd June 2021 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Passing through the site of the former Angarrack station the Up Statesman continues on to cross Angarrack viaduct. 2nd June 2021 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

The return Statesman crossing Angarrack Viaduct. 2nd June 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

The return Statesman makes a dramatic picture as it skirts the moorland between Scorrier and Apex summit. 2nd June 2021. Copyright Neville King.

The return Cornish Riviera Statesman near Apex Bridge. Copyright Neville King. Copyright Neville King

The return Statesman the 1Z46 at Polkyth 2nd June 2021 Copyright Julian Stephens. Note the metals of the former line to the goods depot still in position but totally disconnected.

The return Statesman the 1Z46 at Polkyth 2nd June 2021 Copyright Julian Stephens.

The return working of The Statesman Cornish Riviera at Newton Abbot. Copyright Clive Smith

47614 47593 head the 1500 Penzance to Wolverhampton 1Z46 Staffords Bridge 2 June 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

The Blue Pullman
Saturday 29th May 2021

Many thanks to all our contributors photographing this remarkable
Midland Blue Pullman
Bob Morrison   Bill Elston   Andrew Triggs   Paul Barlow   Keith Turley
Peter Murnaghan   Adrian Keast   Nathen Hadley   Craig Munday
Mike Paterson   Neville King   Martin Scane   Mick House   Lana Harris
Leslie Curnow   Mike Bojko Roger Salter   Mark Lynam David Tozer
& Guy & Charlotte Vincent
Many Thanks Roger Winnen

The journey down

The down Pullman under the wires at Swindon. 29th May 2021. Copyright Bob Morrison.

Some detailed information on the Blue Pullman by Guy Vincent with photographs at Melksham on the outward run and Westbury on the return run.

Many Thanks Guy for your detailed information

The Pullman was formed of vehicles 43055 41176 41108 40802 41162 41059 41182 40801 41169 44078 43046.
The two power cars were delivered new to the Western Region in 1977 as part of sets 253023 (43046) and 253027 (43055, the last of the initial batch). By October1981 had BR decided several of these sets were no longer needed on the WR so 253027 was transferred away to Neville Hill (Leeds) for use on the East Coast Main Line. October 1982 saw another five sets leave for use on the Midland Main Line between St Pancras and Sheffield, these were 253022 - 253026 inclusive (power cars 43044-43053). May 1983 and another three WR sets departed with two (253019 / 253020, power cars 43038-41) going to Neville Hill and 253021 (PCs 43042/043) transferring to Bounds Green. Over the years reallocations and a common use policy has seen some of the older PCs return to their former haunts but for 43046 & 43055 this was a welcome return to old and much changed home territory.
The only previous occasion an HST is known to have stopped at Melksham was on Sunday 5th December 2010. Then, the 1705 Westbury - Swindon and 2M16 1819 Swindon - Westbury were unusually worked by 43069, set OC46 and 43088. This was because the normal DMU (150129) could not be strengthened and over 100 tickets had been pre-booked from Trowbridge and Melksham to Swindon and back as the service was used for the annual Melksham Rail Users Group / Trans Wilts ''Santa Special''.

Best regards Guy Vincent

210529m The Midland Pullman picks up at Melksham. Copyright Guy Vincent

210529o Only a minute behind schedule as the Midland Pullman departs Melksham. Copyright Guy Vincent

Melksham 43046 Seen departing for Trowbridge, Westbury and the Berks and Hants. Copyright Guy Vincent

At Cogload. 43055, 29th May 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

Cogload 43046, 29th May 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

Shortly after exiting Whiteball Tunnel 1Z60 06.00 Eastleigh-Penzance heads west running 11 late at 09.25. Copyright Andrew Triggs

43055 43046 0600 Eastleigh to Penzance 1Z60 Cornish Coastal Pullman near Staffords Bridge just north of Cowley Bridge Copyright Paul Barlow.

At Cowley Bridge Junction. 29th May 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.

210529b The Midland Pullman crosses the Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529c The 06.00 Eastleigh to Penzance now on Cornish Soil. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529d Passing Saltash on route to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529 Blue Pullman crossing Moorswater Viaduct. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

210529 Blue Pullman at Moorswater, Black Bridge. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

Carlyon Bay 29th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

The down Pullman coming off the Gover viaduct from Trevanion Hill overbridge St Austell on its down run. Nathan Hadley.

29th May 2021 Crugwallins The Midland Pullman HST LSL Copyright Craig Munday

The Blue Pullman at Hodges road bridge - between Greenbottom and Chacewater. 29th May 2021. Copyright Mike Paterson.

The Midland Pullman near Chacewater on the down run. 29th May 2021 Copyright Neville King

The Midland Pullman on Blackwater viaduct on the down run. 29th May 2021 Copyright Neville King

Apex Bridge. 29th May 2021. Copyright Martin Scane

43 055 is up front as the Blue Pullman HST passes over Wheal Bois foot crossing. Copyright Mick House.

Trevingey. Quite a remarkable coincidence as an up service with 43194 on the rear passes the down Pullman actually on Trevingey Crossig - what a prize picture! Copyright Lana Harris. 29th May 2021.

Down Blue Pullman at Trevingey Crossing seen from Barncoose bridge. The two HST's pass. 29th May 2921 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Down Blue Pullman in Barncoose cutting from Barncoose bridge. 29th May 2921 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Down Blue Pullman coninues on towards the site of Carn Brea station. Taken from Barncoose bridge. 29th May 2921 Copyright Kevin Jenkin

Roger Salter captures the Midland Pullman crossing Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

43055 leading the set over Hayle Viaduct working 1Z60 0600 Eastleigh to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

43 046 Geoff Drury is about to head off to Long Rock. Copyright Mick House.

43 055 brings up the rear as the train goes for refuelling at Long Rock. Copyright Mick House.

43 046 Geoff Drury stands in the sidings at Long Rock as 43 055 is being refuelled at the rear. Copyright Mick House.

The Blue Pullman seen at Long Rock depot. Copyright Roger Salter

The Midland Pullman in slopers siding Penzance. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The journey back

210529e The Blue Pullman from Long Rock via Slopers Siding arrive at Penzance Station neck and neck with the 11.27 Exeter to Penzance Castle Class hst. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529f Looking down from the Station Wall as two trains enter the station. Copyright Roger Winnen. Copyright Roger Winnen

43046 "43046 Geoff Drury 1930-1999" in Platform 2 at Penzance before working the return journey. Copyright Mark Lynam

210529gg The return 16.00 Penzance to Eastleigh sits in Patform 2. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529i Motive power at the buffer stops Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529j HST power car 43055. Copyright Roger Winnen

By kind permission of the land owner photographed going away at Rosvidney the Blue Pullman heads for St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

The return working at Trevingey Crossing Trevingey Crossing the leading power car M43046 bearing the nameplate 'Geoff Drury 1930 to 1999' Copyright Lana Harris 29th May 2021

Photo5: 43 046 Geoff Drury is about to pass over Wheal Busy foot crossing. Copyright Mick House.

43 046 Geoff Drury passes Hallenbeagle Mine. Copyright Mick House.

43046 at Scorrier working 1Z62 1600 Penzance - Eastleigh. Copyright Mark Lynam

The return Blue Pullman 1Z60 Dowgas 29th May 2021 Copyright Julian Stephens

The return Blue Pull man 1Z62 at Dowgas 29th May 2021 Copyright Julian Stephens

The return working heading east at Burngullow. 29th May 2021. Copyright Mike Bojko.

The return working heading east at Burngullow. 29th May 2021. Copyright Mike Bojko

The return Pullman passing Burngullow from Burngullow overbridge on its return run. Copyright Nathan Hadley

210529k The Blue Pullnan races throuth St Austell on its way to Eastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

210529l Going away towards Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

29th Treverrin Bank with the 1Z62 LSL Blue Pullman HST Copyright Craig Munday

Dawlish 43046 1Z62 29.05.2021 Copyright Charlotte Vincent

Dawlish 43055 1Z62 29.05.2021-Copyright Charlotte Vincent

The return Blue Pullman at Cockwood Harbour. 29th May 2021. Copyright David Tozer

43055 43046 1600 Penzance to to Eastleigh 1Z62 Cornish Coastal Pullman IET approaches in opposite direction with a Paddington service near Staffords Bridge just north of Cowley Bridge, 29th May 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

43055 43046 1600 Penzance to to Eastleigh 1Z62 Cornish Coastal Pullman near Staffords Bridge just north of Cowley Bridge. Copyright Paul Barlow. 29th May 2021.

Gibraltor Bridge Cullumpton. Copyright Keith Turley

Whiteball tunnel 18.1729th May 2021, Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Whiteball Copyright Andrew Tiggs.

Westbury 43046 on the return run. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43046 1Z62 29.05.2021 at Westbury. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Item 2111
'G7 and all that'.
A collection of pictures of railway happenings associated with the conference at Carbis Bay in early June.

The Closure Notice for the St Ives branch for the G7 week.

I suspect we all know the reason for this one:

..................................................................................................

From the Western and Wales Route Weekly Operating Notice WW Week 10

GW690 ST.ERTH TO ST.IVES ENTIRE LINE OF ROUTE FROM 0001 MONDAY 7 JUNE 2021 UNTIL 1200 HOURS ON MONDAY

14 JUNE 2021

The St.Ives single line beyond St.Erth signal SE62 will be temporarily taken out of use. The St.Erth – St.Ives train staff will be retained by the local manager. The associated Local Instructions are suspended during this time.

............................................................................................

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer

One wonders whether the VOSE Pullman will be providing a service over the branch during the week?

Cheap at much less than half the price!!!

Prices to stay at one of the hotels used for the G7 Leader's Summit after the event in Cornwall this year have skyrocketed.
In order to enjoy one of the Carbis Bay Hotel's three-bedroom villa's between the June 17-23, a week after the G7 Summit, you'll need to be ready to part with £4,000 per night - a £24,000 total stay.
The hotel's two bedroom villa comes in shorter at £21,000 for the six night stay.
According to the hotel's website, the villas also come with free breakfast and WiFi, too.

Tidying up for G7 Andrew Triggs

After being on Sandy Road siding, Ponsandane since 1988, today (3rd April 2021) a start has been made on breaking up the 2 former fuel tankers there, 5 shots for CRS enclosed
All the Best
Andrew Triggs
It is understood that this is part of the tidy up operation before the G7 VIP's arrive.

Sandy Road Tankers - the end (1) 3rd May 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Sandy Road Tankers - the end (2) 3rd May 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Sandy Road Tankers - the end (3) 3rd May 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Sandy Road Tankers - the end (4) 3rd May 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Sandy Road Tankers - the end (5) 3rd May 2021 Copyright Andrew Triggs

The remains from Ponsandane Footbridge Scrap remains of tankers. 4th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The well rusted scrap remains of tankers bogies - any old iron. 4th May 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew - a colourful piece of Penzance has gone.

28th April 2021
Residents in St Ives and Carbis Bay are dismayed – and perplexed – about the large number of police in the area in the run-up to the G7 Summit.
Large number of officers in baseball-style caps and yellow jackets have been seen on the streets in west Cornwall in recent days.
They have been witnessed on their hands and knees inspecting drains and manhole covers as well as lamp posts and other street furniture, often accompanied by police dogs.

Roger Winnen takes a trip on the branch in April.

On Monday 25th April Roger Winnen took a trip on the St Ives branch to see what could be seen from the train - unfortunately Rogers pictures were limited to what could be seen from the train as the preparation work for the G7 conference continues without planning permission.
Links

Carbis Bay G7 Preparations 25th April 2021. Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger also reports that some re-surfacing work had taken place at both Carbis Bay and St Ives stations.

Special Test Train for G7 run over the St Ives branch.

A special Pullman train ran to Penzance on the 21st April the purpose of which we heard afterwards was to check the clearances etc on the St Ives Branch. The down train didn't appear in the Real Time Trains at all as it was to be regarded as SECRET !
The stock was worked overnight 21/22nd April over the St Ives branch - we do not have any pictures of this most unusual working.
The return working the 22nd April appeared in Real time Trains.

67012 + 67016 at Penzance before working 5Z74 1800 Penzance to Stewarts Lane T&R.S.M.D. Copyright Mark Lynam

67012 Heads the VSOE at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

Looking over the station wall at 10.00am with 67012 leading on platform 4. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Belmond British Pullman Generator vehicle etc.. Copyright Andrew Keast

Pullman Carriage 'Minerva' at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

Pulman Carriage 'Audrey' at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

Pullman Coach 'Ibis' at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

Pullman Carriage 'Lucille Audrey' at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

Pullman Carriage 'Zena' at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

A BSK Brake Coach. Copyright Andrew Keast

67016 on the blocks at platform 4 later at 15.15pm. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Mix of clag from 67012 and full sunshine gives a hazy view of the return 18.00 Penzance-Stewarts Lane T&RSMD passing Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

67016 brings up the rear clearing Marazion road bridge heading up Marazion marsh. Copyright Andrew Triggs

In the course of a brief swing through your lovely county I spotted Roger's pictures on CRS and hastened to record "the other end" as the train returned to London. Here attached is a shot of the VSOE Pullman Train heading for the Red River Viaduct North of Marazion. 67012, formerly "Shropshire Lad" and now in Chiltern Railways' 2-tone grey leads the train with 67016 in the rear. The train left Penzance at 18.00 for Stewarts Lane Depot and is recorded here a few minutes later. Copyright Brian Pibworth

The return VSOE stock passing through Camborne at 18.15hrs on route to Stewarts Lane. Copyright Mike Roach

67016 Tails the train through Camborne Station. Copyright Mike Roach

67012 at Scorrier leading 5Z74 1800 Penzance to Stewarts Lane T&R.S.M.D. Copyright Mark Lynam

67016 on the rear photographed from Apex Bridge, Scorrier. Copyright Mark Lynam

The test train heads home.

Roger Winnen takes a trip on The St Ives Branch
Bank Holiday Monday 31st May 2021

210531 Changes to train services what you need to know. Roger Winnen

210531aa Looking very smart from a distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531c Rebuilt GWR station seats at St Erth.. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531d Carbis Bay sign picked out on the other side of the platform as it was in steam days. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531dd This Carbis Bay sign stands out. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531e The 150 in Carbis Bay Station bound for St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531ee 2+2 150 set departs for St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531f A sign showing the direction of St Erth and St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531h A St Ives bound service at Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531i Through the train window The Carbis Bay Hotel and the G7 conference centre. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531k Through the train window, the conference centre at Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

Carbis Bay home of the Sunday School Treats years ago. Copyright Roger Winnen

210531l Porthminster Beach St Ives today. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lelant Station 3rd June 2021
Roger Winnen

210603a Lelant Station now sees a growth of business with the transfer of the park and ride from Lelant Saltings to St Erth. Lelant Saltings now have only one train in each direction per day. Copyright Roger Winnen.

210603b The Station Buildings at Lelant in private ownership. In days gone by members of the CRS had Cream Teas in the garden. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603c The station has recently been given a coat of paint for the G7 conference at next door Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603d An afternoon St Ives to St Erth train passes through the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603f Is it the artist on the surf board. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603g Walks from Lelant. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603gg Lelant Station looking towards St Erth. The owner of the property tells me that the fence is below the designated height, so network rail will be in due course replacing it. Copyright Roger Winnen

210603h An idyllic setting at Lelant Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lelant Saltings Station
A visit to Lelant Saltings Station this afternoon, was a non event as a large compound has been erected around most of the site guarded by Police Officers. They were aware that trains stopped there at 07.52 to St Ives and 09.21 to St Erth, no doubt special arrangements were in place for any passengers joining or alighting from trains

A Visit to St Ives and St Erth Station on Tuesday 8th June 2021
Roger Winnen

210608a Its Tuesday 8th June 2021 A trip to St Ives and St Erth. With no trains on the branch line the station is just visable below, on the skyline is the Tregenna Castle Hotel being used by leading polititions from across the world. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608b The tide is out at St Ives on a sunny Tuesday morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

P233 HMS Tamar in St Ives Bay prtoecting our coastline during the G7 Conference. Copyright Roger Salter

HMS Tyne to the rear of HMS Tamar. Copyright Roger Salter

210609a Valiant Border Force Newlyn. Copyright Roger Salter

210609b P284 HMS Scimitar with obervargh entering Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

210609c P285 HMS Sabre entering Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

210609d The two ships were on exercise around St Michaels Mount and came into Penzance for refuelling Copyright Roger Salter

210608c The open top Coaster service now operates from St Ives to Newquay and Padstow. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608d A large Police presence at St Erth Station for the G7 conference. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608e A large fleet of Bristol Buses operating a Rail Replacement service to St Ives from St Erth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608f Buses in the queue at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608g The widen platform and the buses stand out at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608h Whilst waiting for the special from London Paddington see see the 17.15 Penzance to Plymouth Castle Class HST departing St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608i This original station building was used in recent years by the gardeners attending the scrubs and plants at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608j The interchange at St Erth being very busy this week. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608k A Bristol Bus advertising Fishponds Road Bristol. Fishponts was on the former midland rail route from Bristol to Gloucester via Mangotsfield. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608l A special service arriving at St Erth being the 12.24 from Paddington, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro, St Erth & Penzance, carrying the office staff for the G7 it is believed. Copyright Roge Winnen

210608m Mostly young office workers alighting from the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

210608n The southside car park at St Erth also used for transporting travellers from the downside to the upside of St Erth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Erth Station Thursday 10th June 2021

210610a St Erth Station decorated with flags of the countries attending the G7 at Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610b Entrance to the platforms via a ramp. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610c The St Ives branch platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610b Entrance to the platforms via a ramp. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610e Flags of the seven nations at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610f Leading up the ramp from the St Ives Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

210610m St Erth Station forecourt. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Red Arrows arrive at St Ives and Carbis Bay on Saturday evening 12th June 2021 to entertain the G7 Conference and the people of West Cornwall. Earlier in the day they were seen flying over Windsor Castle for the Queens Official Birthday celebrations of Trooping the Colour
Roger Winnen

210612a St Ives from the Trenwith Car Park with the Royal Navy ships anchored off the Island. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612b The Red Arrows arrive over St Ives and Carbis Bay to entertain both the G7 and locals and holiday makers in West Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612d The Red Arrows display. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612dd Doing the loop. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612e The Red Arrow display over St Ives and Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612f The Red Arrow display over St Ives and Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612g The Red Arrow display over St Ives and Carbis Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612h Formation Flying over St Ives Bay. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612i Heading towards Carbis Bay with Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612j A spectacular image of formation flying. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612k Red White and Blue. Copyright Roger Winnen

210612m The Red Arrows going away to Culdrose after finishing the spectacular display for the G&. Copyright Roger Winnen

Item 2110
The story of 'Ixion',plus feature on D1015 Western Champion
Paul Barlow

A set of pictures of D172 Ixion's visit to Penzance on 23 September 1995
This loco was owned by Waterman Railways and was the first preserved diesel to work on the mainline. It received a full restoration at Crewe in 1994. It made it's inaugral main-line run from Derby to St Pancras on 1 October 1994. In BR days this loco was 46035 and spent most of it's life allocated to (GD) Gateshead, Newcastle. Upon withdrawal from BR service it was used by Derby research centre for various tests as a adhesion research vehicle, this where it received the 'Ixion' name and numbered 97403.
It was repainted in BR blue in 2002 and renumbered 46035
Sadly the loco fell out of use in 2004 and was eventually sold. It is now in store awaiting restoration at Peak rail Rowsley, Derbyshire
Hope all is well, Kind regards
Paul Barlow

Limited edition Ixion Bachmann 00 gauge model. Copyright Paul Barlow

1. D172 Ixion arrives at Bristol with the 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995 Copyright Paul Barlow

2. D172 Ixion at Plymouth with the 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995 Copyright Paul Barlow

3. D172 Ixion crosses the Tamar into Saltash 0530 Coventry to Penzance 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

4. D172 Ixion at Penzance with the 0530 from Coventry 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

5. D172 Ixion over the RA bridge with the 1658 Penzance to Coventry 23rd September 1995. Copyright Paul Barlow

6. D172 Ixion at Exeter with the 1658 Penzance to Coventry 23rd September 1995, Copyright Paul Barlow

7. Commemorative limited edition plate. Copyright Paul Barlow

8. 46035 0539 Crewe to Okehampton at Bristol D1015 took the train forward 15th March 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow

Plus a short feature on
D1015 Western Champion by Paul Barlow

A few shots of D1015 Western Champion in Golden ochre livery around the Exeter area in early summer 2005. Hopefully one day we will see this fine locomotive on the main line again!
Kind regards, Paul

D1015 08.46 Paddington-Kingswear 28th May 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion approaches Stoke Canon on the 14.58 Euston to Exeter 24th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion at Dawlish on the17.15 Kingswear to Paddington 28th May 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 Western Champion at Exeter St Davids backs onto stock to form the 11.30 Exeter to Victoria 26th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow

D1015 Western Champion climbs towards St James Park h#Halt on 11.30 Exeter to Victoria 26th June 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul for the 'double bill' 'Ixion' and 'Champion'.

Item 2109
The 'Private Charter'
to and from Penzance
4th, 5th and 6th April 2021.

Sunday 4th April. Bristol to Penzance.

Coglaod 4th April 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

Cowley bridge. Copyright Keith Turley.

37667 D6851 37688 0957 Bristol East depot to Penzance 1Z32 approaches the site of the new Marsh Barton station Exeter 4 April 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow

37667 D6851 & 37688 Great Rocks Approaches Exminster with the Private Charter the 09.57 Bristol East to Penzance. Copyright David Tozer

The 09.57 Bristol East Yard - Penzance private train arrives at Plymouth station. Copyright Clive Smith

The 09.57 Bristol East Yard - Penzance private train departs from Plymouth station. Copyright Clive Smith

The pair of 37s are seen climbing Milltown Bank out of Lostwithiel this afternoon. Copyright Jon Hird

Like everyone and his dog I was out for Jeremy Hoskins 1Z32 LSL private charter to Penzance captured passing Carlyon Bay, with 37667 and 37688 'Great Rocks' sounding good with the climb to St Austell. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

37677 37688 at Resparveth near Grampound Road with the 1Z32 Private Charter to Penzance. Copyright Craig Munday

The private Class 37 Charter is seen climbing to Apex Bridge near Scorrier. Copyright Mick House

Viewed from Apex Bridge D6851 (37667)leading heads for Penzance. Copyright Mick House.

Class 37 37688 Great Rocks at Apex Bridge. Copyright Mick House.

3) Sc 6311 Generator Car. Copyright Mick House

4) M 17159 Saphos Train Travel Copyright Mick House

5) 10520 Sleeping Car. Copyright Mick House

6) 6708 Mount Helicon Pullman Car (The Hippocrene Bar) Copyright Mick House

7) 310 Pegasus Pullman Car Copyright Mick House

8) 99993 Dining Car. Copyright Mick House

9) 6706 Mount Mgahinga. Copyright Mick House

10) 6705 Ardnamurchan. Copyright Mick House

The Charter makes an impressive sight at Redruth. 4th April 2021. Copyright Martin Scane.

Tractors 37667 with 37688 working1Z32 09.57 Bristol East Depot-Penzance over Angarrack Viaduct 4.4.2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

D6851 (37667 & 37688 is seen crossing Hayle Viaduct with the Bristol East to Penzance private charter train. Copyright Roger Salter

D6851 (37667 & 37688 Crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

37667+37688 are seen at Marazion working 1Z32 0957 Bristol East Depot Dbc to Penzance LS private charter/training run. Copyright Mark Lynam

I moved into the area over a year ago and am just finding out the photo spots after getting lost a few times ! I used to be a member of Burton Railway Society (Burton-on-Trent) and have found the photo’s on your web site interesting. Copyright Andy Byron

210404aa The travel arrival and departure screens at Penzance showing the special. Copyright Roger Winnen

210404a The arrival at Penzance of the private charter with D6851 leading and 37688 from Bristol East. Copyright Roger Winnen

Jon Hird captures the arrival of the train arriving at Penzance after his dash from Lostwithiel. Copyright Jon Hird

210404b Much interst was shown at the terminus with this special train arriving from Bristol East.. Copyright Roger Winnen

210404c The train is seen backing out to the slopers siding after the removal of waste items etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

210404d This trains rolling stock looks quite impressive as it backs out to the sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

210404e Is the train beating the bus! No the bus is heading for the bus station and the train is in reverse to the slopers siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

The pair of 37s has backed into slopers sidings at Penzance prior to the first locomotive running around its train. Copyright Roger Salter

37677 running light past 37688 and the LSL Tour stock on Slopers, Penzance 4.4.2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Movements at the slopers siding as D6851 runs around its train for Monday mornings departure to Truro. Copyright Jon Hird

37688 Great Rocks in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

11) D6851 at the former Ponsandane Level Crossing. Copyright Mick House

D6851 later 37667 looks very smart in the green British Railways livery which was applied to these engines when built. Copyright Roger Winnen

37667 seen in the evening at Penzance on platform 4 where it spent the night. Copyright Mark Lynam

Dusk over Penzance station 37667 seen in Platform 4 with 57603 seen in Platform 1 before working the up sleeper - 1A50 2115 Penzance to London Paddington. Copyright Mark Lynam

37667 D6851 Stand in Platform 4 at Penzance with the headlights blazing inside and outside. Copyright Craig Munday.

Monday 5th April Penzance to Truro

210405a The tractor is firing up its engine at 08.13 prior to departure at 08.25. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405b D6851 departs with the private charter to Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405c Looking down from the memorial on the station wall as D6851 departs. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405d Bringing up the rear is 37688 Great Rocks seen passing the many thousand tons of granite boulders protecting the railway at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Easter Monday 5th April 2021 sees D6851 Heading the private charter train through the closed station of Marazion on route to Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Salter

2 shots, hot off the press, of today's 1Z33 08.25 Penzance-Truro Yard LSL run, with 37667 (D6851) leading, with 37688 'dead in tow' at the rear passing Marazion (running 3 late at this point) Copyright Andrew Triggs

110A Special passes Drump Lane 37667 leads with Carn Brea Hill in the background being 738 feet above sea level 5th April 2021 Copyright Keith Jenkin

110B Special passes Drump Lane 37688 'Great Rocks' brings up the rear 5th April 2021 Copyright Keith Jenkin

12) D6851 arriving at Truro Yard. Copyright Mick House

13) 37 688 in Truro yard. Copyright Mick House

Monday morning sees 37667 in Truro yard after working up from Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

210405e D6851 is seen stabled in Truro Yard for a few hours before returning to Penzance and back for an afternoon run. However the organiser had other plans so the train stayed put until its path on Tuesday morning to Plymouth and Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405e Mount Helicon Pullman Dining at Truro on Easter Monday. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405f D6851 looks very smart indeed carrying the original livery as built in the early 1960s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405g What a load of rubbish can be seen these days just lying around, however the train makes the photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen

210405h 37688 at rest under the famous Truro black bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

37667 in Truro yard later the same evening as it was getting dark. Copyright Mark Lynam

37688 seen at the other end under black bridge at night. Copyright Mark Lynam

Truro to Plymouth, Laira Depot, Newton Abbot and Kingswear

Here are a couple from Dowgas for The Charter feature.The pictures would have been better if the train had run to time. Coopyright Julian Stephens

Here are a couple from Dowgas for The Charter feature. The pictures would have been better if the train had run to time. Copyright Julian Stephens

The Return working today (Tuesday 6th April) with 37688 leading 1Z33 0901 Truro to Plymouth at Burngullow. Copyright Mark Lynam

I've attached 2 photos of the 37s passing Carlyon Bay this morning - I managed to pop out from work for an hour in glorious sunshine, however by the time that the train arrived I was stood in a sleet and hail shower! Such is life. Copyright Jon Hird

I must be the only person to have taken the return working in cloud, although bitterly cold I chose to walk to Par station being local, at the booked time the signal box was bathed in sunlight but with the train running 15 minutes late it clouded over and 37667 is seen in the middle of a snow storm passing Par Signal Box, top and tailed 37688 'Great Rocks' working 1Z33 to Plymouth and on to Laira on 6th April 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

D6851 heads the train, coming up the bank into Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mick House.

D6851 comes into Bodmin Parkway.Copyright Mick House.

37 688 brings up the rear of the train passing through Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Mick House.

37 688 at the rear as the train heads off to Plymouth. Copyright Mick House.

37688 top and tails the 1Z34 15.50 Plymouth - Newton Abbot LSL private train. Dead green liveried D6851 (37667) is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith

D6851 has started its engine in readiness for departure with the 16.43 Newton Abbot - Kingswear LSL private train. 37688 is now dead on the rear of the train. Next outing for this train will be the 07.30 Kingswear - Euston on the 7th with 40145 from Bristol to Euston. Copyright Clive Smith

Wednesday 7th April 2021 Kingswear to London Euston

Ellerhayes Silverton 37667 37688 with the return charter Kingswear to London Euston 7.4.2021 Copyright David Tozer

Ellerhayes Silverton with the return Private Charter being the 07.30 Kingswear to London Euston. Copyright David Tozer

The returning LSL operated private charter seen at Cullompton on 7th April 2021, Class 37s D6851 (37667) and 37688 working the 1Z36 Kingswear (PDSR) to London Euston. Copyright Keith Turley

40145 0Z37 0610 Crewe LHS - Bristol TM 1056 ( act dep 0606 arr 0915) Copyright Charlotte Vincent

60028 0Z51 at Bristol Temple Meads Copyright Charlotte Vincent

60028 and the special hauled by D6851 is seen arriving in the middle through lines of Bristol Temple Meads Station. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

D6851 together with 37688 Great Rocks alongside the ground frame at Bristol Temple Meads. 60028 standing alongside was engaged on a series of crew-training runs between Bristol Freightliner Terminal, Temple Meads and Westbury but later departed for Willesden. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

D6851 and 37668 uncouples from the private charter at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

40145 is seen backing onto the train at Bristol Temple Meads with station staff looking on. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

40145 Backing onto its train at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

2021 04 07 Bristol TM (13). 40145. 1Z37. awaiting departure for London Euston. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

2021 04 07 40145 out in the open as it leaves Bristol Temple Meads for London Euston at 10.59. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

2021 04 07 Bristol Temple Meads departure at 10.59 for London Euston.. Copyright Charlotte Vincent

112A Swindon 40145 heads the Private Charter 7th April 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

112B Kingswear to Euston seen at Swindon 7th April 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks to all our contributors.

Item 2108
The closure of
Newquay signalbox
- a photographic record by Alan Peters and Gary Rainbow.

Some pictures taken by myself and friend Gary Rainbow of the Closure of Newquay Signal Box, although the official date of closure was the 5th October 1987, the last train must have been Saturday 3rd October. The night was spent in the PW hut at the end of the platform as official permission was given to recover signalling equipment from Newquay by BR, the equipment was decommissioned on the Sunday by the S&T and the main signal dismantled for restoration by the late Bernard Rainbow MBE. The Signal Box was retained as a traincrew mess room until being torched by vandals bringing the end of an era to Newquay's fine semaphore signals, fortunately the main signal that once protected the station has been restored to its former glory at a private address in Birmingham.

Alan Peters

Newquay Signal Box closed on the 5th October 1987, these pictures were taken on that very evening when the box would close for the final time after the last train, a last look at Newquay Signal Box with it's semaphore signals, No 1 signal had already lost it's finial and the trackwork looking rather rusty! Copyright Alan Peters

Newquay Signal box on the last day of operation from the rear, showing the signal from Platform 3 and the carriage sidings. Copyright Alan Peters.

The signalman waits for the last train before closure of Newquay Signal Box just before closure, still looking clean and tidy with the brasses polished. Copyright Alan Peters. (Note the quite well worn easy chair by the window. Copyright Alan Peters.

A view of the signal box diagram, altered through the years, this was the final diagram of the rationalised station and yard. Copyright Alan Peters.

The last train has gone! A class 142 chocolate and cream 'Skipper' unit or more commonly know as Pacers was the very last train to be signalled from platform 1, unfortunately with fading light Kodachrome 64 slide film could not capture the number of the unit. Copyright Alan Peters.

A close up of the electric token machine at Newquay Alan Peters collections (Courtesy of Gary Rainbow)

Ref The most interesting feature by Alan Peters The photograph of the Electric Key Token instrument shows green (‘C’ configuration’) tokens. Now ‘C’ tokens were used for the single-line section from Newquay to St Columb Road which came into existence after the closure of Tolcarn Junction in November 1964. After the closure of St Columb Road in January 1965 the section then became Newquay to St Dennis Junction using yellow (‘D’ configuration) tokens until the closure of St Dennis Junction in December 1986. At that time the St Dennis Junction to Goonbarrow Junction section used ‘C’ tokens, but what I do not know is whether the new Goonbarrow Junction to Newquay section then used ‘C’ or ‘D’ tokens until Newquay closed in October 1987. As I can’t read the wording on the tokens, I would be very interested therefore to know if that photograph is from the 1964-65 or 1986-1987 period please.

Kind regards, Chris Osment

Alan Peters replies - Hi Keith,

All the pictures were taken at the time of the closure of the signal box in October 1987, I believe the tokens are Newquay - Goonbarrow Jct, the token instrument was the first thing to be removed by the S&T when the box closed and there was me hoping for a souvenir, however number 15 lever plate for the ground frame had to suffice. I Understand that the ground frame was moved for a short period for a siding, which I have no idea if it was ever used. I think the section is still a green token, which I thought I had a picture of the token somewhere, maybe Craig can confirm as I don't get up there too often.
I used to own the ground signal from the carriage sidings but had to sell it when I moved briefly to Australia something I very much regret as I doubt I will get another.

Gary Rainbow is now the Driver Standards manager for Cross Country Trains.

Regards Alan Peters

The day after closure and recovery of the signalling equipment is underway by the S&T, here the arm of platform 3 starting signal is being removed, happily parts of this signal remain in my garden! Copyright Alan Peters

With the finial removed from the top the arm of the signal on platform 3 is lowered to the ground Copyright Alan Peters

With recovery underway of the main signal that controlled access into Newquay station, I am seen on the far left of the picture. Alan Peters (Courtesy of Gary Rainbow)

Another view of the main signal that protected Newquay station being disassembled with the route indicator being lowered know as 'cash registers' the only working Western route indicator being at Worcester Shrub Hill Alan Peters (Courtesy of Gary Rainbow)

Just some of the arms removed from the signals at Newquay. Copyright Alan Peters.

Happy to say that the main signal protecting Newquay station was saved when Newquay Signal Boxed in October 1987 and was lovingly restored in the garden of the late Bernard Rainbow MBE at his home in Acocks Green, Birmingham Gary Rainbow

Many thanks to Alan Peters and of course to Gary Rainbow for this marvelous record of changes at Newquay.

Additional Info - a footnote from Roy Hart (Burma).
Alan Peters and Gary Rainbow may be interested in the following:

Newquay box dated from 1946. It was the last new box erected in Cornwall. By the time of its closure, much of the layout had already been stripped out, including six carriage sidings, the goods yard and the engine loop on platform 3.
The 'signal protecting the station' is the down inner home. It was erected in 1959, replacing a wooden signal of 1946. It originally carried 5 route indicator positions: plat 1; plat 2; plat 3; loco spur; sidings.
The token machine in the box was fitted in 1964 when, with the closure of Tolcarn Junction box, the line into Newquay became single track.

Roy Hart Many thanks Roy.

Item 2107
Accident on the Fowey branch
Monday 6th December 1971
A report compiled by Guy Vincent

Guy Vincent writes :- The information on the Fowey branch incident was provided by one of my colleagues at Westbury who happens to be a grandson of the driver of the class 25 loco involved. Last year (2020) he was given a box of railway documents that had belonged to his late grandfather, these had apparently been stored for a long time in the loft of another family member's home. The report of the incident was with these documents and the family are happy for this to be published on the CRS site.

Driver Mervyn John Collins was born in the Liskeard district in 1923 and started his railway service with the GWR in 1941. He became a driver at St Blazey in 1959 and apart from a few years at Westbury (Wilts) his career was spent close to home in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Mervyn retired in 1988 and passed away on 17th January 2008 at the age of 84. He was for many years involved with the Lostwithiel Silver Band.

Class 25 locomotive D7675 was delivered new to the Nottingham Division (D16) on April 8th 1967, one of the final members of the 327-strong class to be built. In October 1971 it was transferred to Laira (84A) and moved to Cardiff Canton (86A) in May of the following year. On 13th May 1974 it was renumbered 25325 and lasted in service until withdrawal from Holbeck, Leeds on 24.12.1985. It was scrapped by MC Metals at Glasgow in February 1990. See the excellent 'Derby Sulzers' website for more details not only of this loco but all Sulzer powered BR diesels.

Here's an image of the other railway documents, all well-used, that were in driver Collins' possession.

They and the photographs are now in the custody of Mervyn's grandson, Darren, who is a driver colleague of mine at Westbury and he is pleased that the feature has been published.

Regards for now

Guy

***To see somewhat more recent pictures of the line at the accident location please go to the end of this section.

Driver Mervyn Collins' Railway Literature. Image as 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

The Statement made by Mervyn John Collins

Lostwithiel Pill Crossing Accident 03 06.12.1971 (P1) Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. Image 'courtesy of the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Lostwithiel Pill Crossing Accident 05 06.12.1971 (P3) - Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Lostwithiel Pill Crossing Accident 06 .12.1971 (P5) Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Shoeing rear wheels of the lorry - 185' the Fowey side of the crossing. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Sacks of coal near the crossing. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Part of the lorry submerged in the river. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Showing the prop shaft and other general derbies on the footpath. The Fowey side of the crossing. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

220 yards the Lostwithiel side of the crossing looking towards Fowey. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

110 yards the Lostwithiel side of the crossing looking towards Fowey. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

At the crossing looking towards Fowey. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

25 feet from the crossing gate showing vision along the track towards Lostwithiel. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Showing approach to the crossing gates. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

At the crossing gate showing vision towards Lostwithiel. Main line climbing towards Treverrin tunnel on the extreme left. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

At centre of crossing looking towards Lostwithiel. Photographs taken by Detective Constable 2000 M.A. Wilkins. image 'courtesy of 'the family of the late Mervyn Collins'.

Pill Farm Crossing is at about the centre of this map - the lane continues to the left to Pill Farm and under the main line which crosses it by means of an overbridge. This map is an enlargement from the map belowMap from the 25" OS reproduced for non commercial purposes courtesy of the National library of Scotland.

From a 25" OS Map revised to the 1950's Showing the Fowey branch leaving Lostwithiel taking an independent bridge over the river Fowey. This route was abolished in 1972 when the branch was altered to connect to the down main. Map from the 25" OS reproduced for non commercial purposes courtesy of the National library of Scotland.

.Many thanks Guy - what interesting things you come across. Also thank you to Darren who made the reports and images available to the CRS.

***To see somewhat more recent pictures of the line at the level crossing please see below.
Pictures by Roger Winnen

A series of passenger trains were run by the
Lostwithiel Chamber of Commerce to
Carne Point on the 9th April 1994.

Lostwithiel Pill Xing 1 Special to Fowey formed of 150247 passes the gated crossing at Coulson Park on route back from Fowey to Lostwithiel on Sunday 9th April 1994. Copyright Roger Winnen

150247 is approaching the crossing at Coulson Park where the incident took place. 9th April 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

150247 passing over the crossing on the 9th April 1994. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Standing in the lane from the crossing to Pill Farm. 9th April 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.

This view looking towards Lostwithiel which clearly shows the lane and the track proceeding beyond the home signal. 9th April 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The branch signal is off as 150247 commences its last journey of the day down to Carne Point. 9th April 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to Roger for providing pictures of this event in 1994.

Item 2106
The purpose of this section is to look at various operations at St Austell station and look at traffic to the goods yard and finally the removal of the goods branch

Item 2106

St Austell Goods Station located at Mount Charles opened in 1931 to ease congestion from the Goods Station situated in the Station Yard in St Austell. The Goods Station then became the Western National Bus Garage for many years until the 1970s when it relocated to Eliot Road, St Austell situated below the 1931 Goods Depot which ceased to be operational as the local pick up freight services ceased. Re organisation of the bus services also saw the closure of Eliot Road Bus Garage, St Austell with buses now stabled at a number of outlying locations. The last piece of line which later became a long siding from St Austell is due to be lifted, leaving only the crossover in St Austell Station used for the reversal of trains when the mainline is closed for engineering work.

A map courtesy of the National Museum of Scotland - non commercial use. Shows the relationship between St Austell Station and the goods yard which is about a quarter of a mile down grade for the station. There were several sidings in the goods yard which included a run round loop and some covered accommodation.

Entry and exit from the goods line were controlled by a ground frame located at the east end of the up platform at St Austell station. This line at one time formed an up and down goods loop with points leading out at the east end onto the up main there was also a cross over to bring down traffic into the loop.

A 150 slowly comes off the goods yard line and prepares to cross over the form a down service train. 2012. Copyright Craig Munday.

150101 using the crossover at St Austell. Copyright Craig Munday,

57303 retreats onto the former goods line. Copyright Craig Munday.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now we look at a selection taken near and in the Goods Yard at St Austell

__Class 25 5180 comes up the bank, and we we get a peep into St Austell Goods yard. The Laira 25 was the driver training loco. 5th November 1971 Copyright Paul Cambridge (Note the connections into the up main and the crossover from the down main plus all the signalling show up very clearly.

29th November 1975 sees D1028 Western Hussar working the 08.00 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

D4007 shunts the up motorail. The car flats have been drawn from the up sidings and will be propelled on to the up main. 8th April 1972 Copyright Paul Cambridge

Another rare picture as D4007 shunts St. Austell goods yard, 5th November 1971 Copyright Paul Cambridge

010415b 5029 Nunney Castle and 4936 Kinlet Hall on route to Penzance passes the line into St Austell Goods Station. Copyright Roger Winnen. (By this time there is no trace of any pointwork in the area.)

Leaving this location we head down the footpath to Alexandra Road passing the Capitol Bingo Hall on route

210403h The Birmingham to Penzance passing the Mount Charles Capitol Bingo. Near this location there was a motorised distant signal. Copyright Roger Winnen

791227a Its 27th December 1979 a Coloured light signal B27R (Burngullow) replaces the motorised distant in connection with planned closure in 1980 of St Austell Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403i To St Austell Goods Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403j On the far side the closed up entrance to the Goods Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403k The closed up entrance to the Goods Yard together with the access to Western Nation Eliot Road Bus Garage. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403l Western National Bus Depot at Eliot Road since demolished. Copyright Roger Winnen

910317f St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

760627a A very rare event - a passenger train charted by the Branch Line Society was planned to run right into the goods yard at St Austell. However this tour was unable to access any further owing to tight clearances between the train and a van thoughtlessly parked close to the line.. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Austell Goods Yard. railtour visit Jun 76.Participants explore the yard on a sunny day. Copyright K. Jenkin

910317b St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

910317c St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

910317d St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

910317e St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

910317g St Austell Goods Yard 17th March 1991. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403n Remains of St Austell Goods Depot built in the 1930s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403o Remains of St Austell Goods Depot built in the 1930s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403p Remains of St Austell Goods Depot built in the 1930s. Copyright Roger Winnen. Even in 2003 the sheds looked in pretty poor condition.

210403q Remains of St Austell Goods Depot built in the 1930s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403s Remains of St Austell Goods Depot built in the 1930s. Copyright Roger Winnen

During engineering work on the main line east of St Austell sometimes trains working at St Austell to Penzance shuttle reversed here and used the goods line as a refuge.

000205b Trains terminating at St Austell using the former siding to the St Austell Goods. Copyright Roger Winnen

000205d Trains terminating at St Austell using the former siding to the St Austell Goods. Copyright Roger Winnen

000205e An HST on an up service passes one from Par. Copyright Roger Winnen (Note the buffer stop at the end of the trunkated line to the Goods Yard;)

St Austell Goods 50046 Ajax +50047_Swiftsure having gone about as far as possible. 04Oct86 Copyright Julian Stephens

210403c The oil train to Penzance passing the truncated siding which lead to the Goods Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen.

980131b Trains terminating at the long siding at St Austell. During track renewals at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen

980131f The 09.22 Penzance to St Austell enters the long siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

210403b Showing the remains of the siding at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

__A most interesting picture taken at St Austell during engineering works.50046 Ajax, 50025 Invincible & 47484 04Oct86 Copyright Julian Stephens Note it is interesting to observe that in August 2014 the p

730301a St Austell Station with snow on the ground. Both sidings on the right are intact. Copyright Roger Winnen

Mike Roach took this shot at St Austell on the 16th June 1981. 50042 Triumph now preserved at Bodmin sets off with a down train past the recently lifted down siding. In the background the engineers coaches remain. One wonders what the road coaches were there for, no doubt a bus replacement service. Copyright Mike Roach

Four former Camping Coaches in use by the Signalling and Telegraph Department at St Austell 27th August 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

980131j Bus Replacement service to Liskeard and Plymouth at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

791227b St Austell Signal Box which closed on 22nd March 1980. Copyright Roger Winnen

The axe falls the removal of the line to the Goods Yard - Julian Stephens

The scene at St Austell station on the 1st March 2021. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Looking down from the road bridge - the point for the goods yard has been removed and new sleepers await placement to form the new plain line. Copyright Julian Stevens.

Plain line in position as we look again down the grade towards Par. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Now looking from the footbridge towards St Austell station. Copyright Julian Stephens.

A view towards Par - a pile of new ballast has been dropped across the former line to the goods yard,

For some reason ballast has been spread across the line to the good yard - now disconnected completely from the network. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Looking towards Par with the tight curve leading to the buffers, just in view, before entry to the former goods yard. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks to Julian Stephens for these views from his collection.

Item 2105 Trewoon
gets a new bridge.

New Trewoon bridge being assembled at Burngullow 25th February 2021. Copyright Phil Hadley.

Trewoon Bridge work A view along the track eastwards from the bridge over Hembal Lane 2nd March 2021 Copyright Nathan Hadley

Notes by Andrew Keast- Firstly from up the line from the site

Then various photos as things progressed. Work started at 18:00. The plan was to remove the bridge in sections. These were to be loaded onto a flatbed on the Burngulllow side of the bridge.

Large gas flame cutters were used to take out various struts/bolts. There were 3 working together.

As they progressed, the crane was brought in to take the weight.

Eventually at 21:15 the first section from the up line side was taken out.

I have been told that the bridge was completely removed by 02:00

Many thanks for your notes Andrew

Trewoon Bridge site 6 1st March 2021 CopyrightAndrew Keast

The first section of the bridge on the move.

The first section of the new bridge moves "first section of the bridge on the move tonight as it went down the A3058 Westbridge Road from the Burngullow/Blackpool Dries site to the bridge site in Trewoon." 3rd March 2021. Copyright Nathan Hadley

4th March 2021

Burngullow 4th March 2021.

Class 70 stands on the down main line at Burngullow Copyright John Hird 4th March 2021

From a different angle to include the redundant clay silos. 4th March 2021. Copyright John Hird.

East of Burngullow

Works trains in the cutting at Trevannion Road bridge near Gover viaduct. 4th March 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

A similar view to that of Craig's above but this one by Nathan Hadley. Copyright.

Now to the west of Burngullow looking east from the road bridge. 4th March 2021. Copyright John Hird. 4th arch 2021.

Andrew Keast moves to Par to observe activities on the 4th March 2021

Firstly we had 66155 on the 13:03 Par - Westbury Down TC with Railvac.. 4th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

66150 on the 13:02 Goonbarrow - Carne Point (with 38 wagons) 4th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

DR73935 on the 13:32 Liskeard Ground Frame - Par and onto blockade. 4th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

DR73907 off siding and cross over onto Down. Photo waiting to join blockade.

Par DR73907 on Down Main Line waiting to join blockade. 4th March 2021.

43156/43093 ‘Old Oak Common’ on 2C26, the 13:24 Plymouth - Par then to form 2P17 14:53 Par - Plymouth. 4th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

And finally 66200 on the 15:17 BZ -Riverside. 4th March 2021. Copyright Andrew Keast.

The new bridge and in service.

Congratulations to Network Rail and many thanks to all.

Item 2104

Remember the Royal Mail trains. Paul Barlow

Continuing the Postal train theme.

A few shots from 9 January 2004 of the last Traveling post office (TPO) trains at Exeter St Davids. Post was sorted on the move on these trains.
I was lucky enough to be able to board the Penzance to Bristol service and see the postmen at work, which included hand franking mail.
Post boxes were also featured on the side of the coaches where you could post urgent letters, which I often did!
Another part of our railway heritage passed into history. I believe TPO's in some form had been running since 1838.
I have also included scans of the Mail bag label's which were given to me that night and a Commemorative Cover I made and posted on the Penzance to Bristol that night.
Hope you are well

All the best, Paul Barlow

67007 1930 Penzance to Bristol TPO last Post. 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67025 on the 22.11 Plymouth to Willesden Last TPO with wreath. 9th January 2004.

Sorting the mail 1930 Penzance to Bristol last TPO 9th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Hand stamping the post 22.11 Plymouth to Willesden 1M99 9 January 2004

On board the last GW Travelling Post Offfice 9 January 2004 1M99. Copyright Paul Barlow.

On board the last GW Travelling Post Offfice 9 January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

This is PAUL BARLOW Posting on the last post 9 January 2004. Paul Barlow Collection.

TPO bag labels. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The very last Royal mail Trains. Paul Barlow.

Royal mail lorries wait outside Exeter St Davids on the last night of mail trains operations. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67028 1915 Plymouth to Willesden 1M65 Exeter St Davids last up mail train. 20th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67028 1915 Plymouth to Willesden 1M65 Exeter St Davids. 20th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67028 1915 Plymouth to Willesden 1M65 Exeter St Davids. 20th January 2004.

Royal Mail workers waiting for the 1915 Plymouth to Willesden 1M65 Exeter St Davids last up mail train. 20th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

2004_02_17 67009 2154 Reading to Plymouth 1C84 last EWS mail trains note skull headboard

67009 2154 Reading to Plymouth 1C84 last EWS mail trains. 20th January 2004. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks to you Paul.

Item 2103
Relaying the
St Ives branch
Mid to late '50's.

Before we look at what reports we have of the most recent relaying work on the St Ives branch which was completed with the branch re-opening to passenger traffic on Monday 8th of February 2021. I received on15th January the following most interesting article on memories from Laurence Hansford of how it was done in the 'Good Old Days'.

Happy New Year, Keith,

Well, there’s a thing! I never imagined that they would be re-laying a mile and a half with long welded track! Apart from the last three years (when they replaced the track at Lelant, fiddled with the platforms at St Erth and installed a new bridge at Griggs Quay) maintenance of the branch has been, shall we say, skimped (others might say woefully neglected). Most of the track from the footbridge just over Carbis Bay Viaduct up to about where the Distant Signal is now is concrete sleeepered and I remember that being done in the mid to late -50s, more than 60 years ago. Funnily enough, the next section of track towards St Ives, with wooden sleepers, is actually newer and I watched that work being done about 1960.

All the work was done on Sundays just out of season when the weather was still OK and there were no trains. The entire process was done manually by a team of about 2 dozen men, their only powered machine being the steam engine which propelled their train which consisted of a mess coach, a couple of bogie bolster waggons loaded with rails, some drop-sided trucks loaded with sleepers, a couple of empty trucks and some hoppers full of new ballast. The mess coach was a an ancient 3rd/brake with some compartments removed, leaving enough seats for the gang, the remainder of the space being for their tools and gear but with a coke stove for a brew. My recollection is that this was arranged to be next to the loco with the steam heating connected-up so they had somewhere warm to take their breaks!

The sleepers were all brand new treated timber but with reclaimed chairs and the 60 ft bull-head rails were second-hand but little worn, having been recovered (so I was told) from fast main line service where they were being replaced by flat bottom track. I believe the new ballast came from a quarry which used to exist alongside the main line at Menheniot. The gang worked pretty hard and would very methodically re-lay something like 5 lengths in a day but to do this they had to work as a team.

The procedure, at least as I recall it, was as follows: The train would slowly draw forward and a team of 4-5 men on the bogie bolster would use crowbars to lever rails to the edge to be deposited in pairs alongside each length of track to be renewed, all on the same side. Next, the train would re-trace its steps and the men on it would transfer their attention to the trucks with the new sleepers, where the latter would be manoeuvred to the edge. The men on the ground would then lift them off and stack them neatly alongside the new rails The train would then retire clear of the work area.

The team then transferred their attention to the track, concentrating on and completing one length at a time. The first things to be done would be to knock out all the keys and remove the fishplates. This allowed both rails to be lifted out and deposited on the other side of the track from the new materials. The men then set-to with shovels on the old ballast, clearing it out from between the sleepers and throwing it out just beyond the old rails, and being careful to scrape it out to the level of the bottom of the old sleepers but no further. Then, the old sleepers would be lifted off and dumped on the old ballast ready to be collected later. Lastly the now flattish ballast bed would be checked and any irregularities corrected to the satisfaction of the ganger, foreman or inspector or whatever he was called (I am not sure which but, remembering this was West Cornwall 60 years ago, I rather think it would have been “Cap’n” or “Skip’”!).

Relaying could then commence, starting with the new sleepers which were carried into position on the cleared track-bed being very careful to ensure that the chairs were all in line. The team then got to together to carry the new rails and place them in their new homes after which all the fishplates were replaced and the bolts tightened. Before driving the keys back into the chairs, considerable attention was paid to make sure that all the sleepers were evenly spaced and not skewed and that the rails were straight. Once the keys had all been driven home the last thing to do was to ram the ballast under the sleepers (whilst access was still easy) to make sure they were all properly supported.

Having thus made the track safe enough so that their train could later pass over depositing new ballast, the team then moved on to the next length to be done and repeated the whole performance as above. Once the requisite number of lengths had been completed (I seem to think they managed 5 in a day) the Cap’n would spend some time checking the alignment of the new track directing adjustments, as required. When finally satisfied the train proceeded very slowly and the controls on the hopper wagons would be operated to drop the right amount to fill the gaps between the sleepers and once the train had passed the men set to with their shovels to put the finishing touches to the new track.

One might imagine that, at this point the men could gather up their gear, jump back on the train and clear off home; unfortunately in those days, this was not the case – they had to clear up site first! This was just as organised as the relaying itself. First to be loaded back onto the train were the old sleepers. These were loaded back on the wagons which had brought the new ones, taking up roughly the same space, except for the few which didn’t make it in one piece. Then it was the turn of the rails and, in broad terms, they were also put back where the new ones had been, except that in this case the procedure formed a spectacle in its own right! Bearing in mind that standard 60 ft Bull-Head rail weighs 97½lb per Yard, making each rail weigh the best part of a ton, lifting them off the ground to above shoulder height was not a job for the faint-hearted. Even with 24 men the only way to make it reasonably easy was with a well-rehearsed routine with the help of the railway equivalent of a sea shanty. In unison, the men would sing out something like 1,2,3-up-1,2,3-up-1,2,3-up-1,2,3-up… and the rail would magically rise from the ground until deposited on the edge of the bogey bolster from where it would be crow-barred home. The last job was then to shovel all the old ballast back into the empty waggons but my recollection is that, to save time, a lot of it was piled on top of the old sleepers. (It meant that they could work along the length of 5 or 6 wagons instead of just a couple.)

After a quick tidy up and the loading of all their tools, off they went leaving the track ready for the commencement of normal running on Monday morning. Although at this stage the new track appeared perfect, I imagine that in the next week or two the St Ives Ganger and his assistant (they lived in the brick building on the other side of the track from the Engine Shed) would make final adjustments re-packing the track and getting the alignment perfect as passing trains shook all the individual lumps of gravel into a better fit with one another. All I can tell you is that, although I very rarely saw them, they kept the whole line in petty much immaculate condition with all straight track (not that there is much of it apart from over the Lelant Towans) dead straight and all curves nice and smooth.

I note that they say it will take 5 weeks to re-lay 1½ miles; this is interesting. There are 88 standard 60 ft lengths per mile and hence 1½ miles would be equivalent to 132 lengths. If the men are working a 6 day week, 5 weeks would contain 30 working days. That means that they will be re-laying the equivalent of 132/30 = 4.4 standard lengths per day. The bit I find interesting is that 60 years later, with all their up-to-date highly mechanised machinery they can’t achieve what a couple of dozen men were able to do with their bare hands. And, by “bare hands” I mean just that, no gloves or any other sort of PPE except that I think they were issued with oil-skins so that they could continued to work in bad weather. They just wore their old clothes and I think even provided their own hob-nailed boots (no steel toe caps as far as I know). In fact, I don’t remember seeing any railway workers wearing gloves, not even firemen shovelling coal! As for all-weather Hi-Viz jackets and helmets with shatter proof visors… dream on.

The photos of all the new material dumped around Carbis Bay Station do raise an intriguing question: How did it all get there? As for the rails, the answer is pretty self-evident, bearing in mind the recent rail delivery trains with the enigmatic destination of St Erth but the pallets of steel sleepers and bags of ballast are a different matter. Normally, on branch lines, it seems these, as well as the machines themselves are delivered by road to convenient points along the line but the St Ives line is a bit different: Most of it is balanced along the cliff edge where it is not possible for a road to be anywhere near and, between Lelant Station and St Ives Station there are simply no roads near the line capable of taking HGVs and the only “road” that does isn’t close to the line where the two are at roughly level. Even at Carbis Bay Station, where it probably would be possible to get an HGV into the Station car park there is certainly no track-side road access. So, how are they doing it? By rail, or is that too obvious.

Laurence Hansford.

Because of the Lockdown which commenced in January there was little feedback or pictures on this fascinating engineering operation which took place on our 'patch' which we felt barred from observing
It was felt wrong to encourage the general public go out and photograph the operation in view of the 'Stay at Home advice. However', it was thought that it would be excusable/permissible if photographs were taken by members of staff on duty or members of the public on ' legitimate exercise'.

Many thanks Laurence for your most interesting article on how things were done in the past.

Now to a report on the latest relay in 2021- a major operation.
Report by Mick House
Many thanks to Mick for the following article on the renewal work

Track renewal on the St Ives Branch.

Track renewal on the St Ives branch started off, prior to the 5th Jan start date with materials and plant being delivered to a compound adjacent to St Erth station and materials being delivered trackside at various locations including St Ives and Carbis Bay stations, also including long welded rail at the location of the renewal.

The track on the St Ives branch is Bullhead rail, chaired with wooden keys on concrete or wooden sleepers (Photo 1) and is being replaced by long welded flat bottomed rail on a rubber pad clipped directly on to steel sleepers.

All of the old track that is being lifted from the buffer stops at St Ives to the finishing point, is being chopped into around approximately 12 foot sections and transported on two rail trailers one each end of a Komatsu PW160-8 Megarailer 360 machine (Photo 2) machine No. 1030), to St Erth for onward disposal possibly by road or rail?.

Photo (1) Lifted and stacked track. - ready to be moved on. Copyright Mick House.

Photo (2) A marvelous picture showing exactly how the track was lifted. Copyright Mick House.

Condition of the old track that has been removed.

Looking at the track sections stock piled at St Erth, you can see that they look as though they have been bitten or hack off (Photos 3 & 4) and in fact they have been sheared off, with the use of a Track Shear machine (Photo 5 & 6 not the one used on the site as I did not get a good enough shot). The track shear with its two hydraulic cylinders each exerting 350 Bar (over 5000 pounds per square inch) of pressure can cut the rail like you or me snapping a twig.

The amount of wear sustained on the track over years can be seen by looking at the profile of the rails (Photos 7, 8 & 9), the top of the rail or rail head may have multiple types of wear, for example the rail I have photographed has Vertical Wear, Gauge Wear and Plastic Flow. The rail head is made up of three main parts (Photo 10), the Crown, Gauge and Field. Crown: is the top of the rail. Gauge: is the inside edge of the rail with three areas: Shoulder, Corner and Face. Field: is the outside edge of the rail with three areas: Shoulder, Corner and Face.
Gauge Wear can be on the Shoulder, Corner or Face or a combination of the three and predominantly will occur on curved track, the Crown can also be affected (photo 11).
Field Wear is not as common but dose effect the Shoulder and Corner and to a lesser extent the face this is usually in conjunction with Crown wear (Photo 12).
Crown Wear also Vertical Wear to the top of the rail is probably the most common as the wheels are in contact with the top of the rail most of the time.
All of this amounts to a worn-out profile, rendering the rail potently dangerous so needs to be replaced. There is a lot more I could say on the subject rails in a lot more detail, but I am sure that this is enough at this time (Photo 12)

Photo (3) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (4). Copyright Mick House

Photo (5) A track shear machine. Copyright Mick House

Photo (6) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (7) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (8) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (9) Mick House.

Photo (10) Copyright Mick House

Photo (11) Mick House

Ballast Trains
Two of the trains that took ballast to the Branch
Top 66 167 & tailed 66 020 with ten Autoballasters, departed Westbury 11.25 Tuesday 12th Jan arriving at St Erth 20.15 the same day, it departed St Erth 08.02 Wednesday 13th Jan, I photographed it at Wheal Busy Crossing as it returned to Westbury, and it arrived 13.02 the same day (Photos 12 & 13).

Top 66 059 & tailed 66 107 with ten Autoballasters, departed Westbury 11.59 Wednesday 13th Jan arriving at St Erth 20.09 the same day, it departed St Erth 07.55 Thursday 14th January. I photographed it at Wheal Busy Crossing as it returned to Westbury, and it arrived 13.08 the same day (Photos 14 & 15).

Photo 12. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 13. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 14. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 15. Copyright Mick House.

Very sincere thanks to Mick House who took this collection of photographs and put the article together.

Peter Radford (Manchester) sent some questions concerning the renewal work on the St Ives branch which Mick House has kindly undertaken to answer.

Questions and Answers
ST.IVES BRANCH TRACK RENEWAL 2021

Question :- I am sure that many members would be interested in the operational plan to carry out this work, does the society have contact with Network Rail, do they have a photographic record of their work that they would be willing to share? They will probably have a photographic record, but nothing as yet.
I am not an engineer so have to presume things like – was the track cut into small sections to allow removal by road/rail vehicles, did they then take the sections to St Erth to transfer to an engineering train? Was this repeated with the old ballast? Did the work commence at St Ives?
I believe that that the new” base” ballast, sleepers and C/W rail were delivered when the mainline closure took place in December??

Answer :- All of the old track that is being lifted from the buffer stops at St Ives (start Point) to the finishing point and is being chopped into around approximately 12 foot sections and transported on two rail trailers one each end of a Komatsu PW160-8 Megarailer 360 machine, to St Erth for onward disposal possibly by road or rail?. An amount of ballast was stock piled in one ton bags along the branch including Carbis bay and St Ives. Uncertain were the old ballast has gone but I suspect it was put to the side of the track!

Question :- Is Nut Grove “crossing” the start of the new track and will there be an expansion joint here?
On the 14th Jan we had our first pictures of the auto ballast train at St Erth and in Carbis Bay station awaiting to proceed to St Ives, but I do not understand how this train can safely traverse the new track which is basically only sitting on top of a base ballast ?? (Please excuse my naivety!)

Answer :- A temporary connection of old to new rail is made so that trains can traverse the line. You have no problem with trains travelling over un-ballasted track. At the time of righting this, seven autoballaster trains and two Tampers have been up the branch, starting on the evening of 11th January 2021.

When did the tamping commence and when will the test train make a visit?

Answer :- Tamping started after the sixth ballast train had finished on the 17th January 2021. Test trains will start running up the branch after all of the work is complete.

Is the work on schedule? :
-
We all now know that the branch relaying was a complete success with the work completed on time for the return of normal services on the 9th February 2021. Congratulations to Network Rail.

Question by Peter Radford (Manchester).
Answers by Mick House.

St Ives branch relaying 01 6W50 66020 at St Erth prior to setting off down the branch 14th January 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

St Ives branch relaying 02 6W50 66020 Cabris Bay 14th January 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

St Ives Branch renewal 6W50 66020 at the St Erth end and 66107 at St Ives end. At Carbis Bay. 25th January 2021 Copyright Craig Munday

6W50 66107 at Carbis Bay. The time is around a quarter past nine on the 25th January 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

6W50 66020 at St Erth end of the train at Carbis Bay 25th January 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

From Porthminster Overbridge, Work started yesterday. 09.57 5th January 2021. Copyright Roger Salter

From Primrose Valley Overbridge looking towards the station. 10.33 5th January 2021. Copyright Roger Salter

The view from Draycott Terrace of the new sleepers laid into St. Ives Station. It's 10.57 on the 5th Janaury 2021. Copyright Roger Salter -

The following snippets received from Craig Munday - Many thanks Craig.
I've been trying to grab a press release for you regarding the St Ives 2km track renewals, I have found some snippets for you:
Work will start in the new year on upgrading the track between Carbis Bay and St Ives in a £3m project by Network Rail.
In what has been described as the biggest track investment in Cornwall since the 1950s, Network Rail will be carrying out work over a 5 week period between Sunday the 3rd of January and Monday the 8th of February 2021
Around 1.5 miles of new track will be laid along with 3,600 new railway sleepers and over 400 tonnes of ballast.
Lee Hildreth, Network Rail’s project manager, said: “This is a huge piece of work, but it will make a real difference as it will reduce delays and improve reliability for passengers in Cornwall.”
“It is the biggest track upgrade for generations, and it has been planned so it can be done as safely and as quickly as possible.”
“However, buses will replace trains while the work is ongoing, so we urge passengers to check before they travel and thanks them in advance for their patience.”
Mark Chorley, GWR Regional Station Manager, West, said: “We have been working hard to make sure that people can be confident to travel safely, and that includes running as many replacement buses as we can to make extra room, as well as enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures.”
“This work is important to ensure we can continue to maintain and improve reliability on this very popular and scenic branch line, and we thank customers for their patience in advance.”
It doesn't answer the many questions from Mr Radford, so I suggest he writes direct to NR.

Received on the 2nd February.
An EXTREMELY INTERESTING collection of pictures of the
ST. IVES RELAY OPERATION FROM PAUL BARRIBALL
With very many thanks to PAUL for sending the following pictures which we as 'JOE PUBLIC' could never get.

Pictures in order working away from the St Ives terminus

St Ives new track in position but not ballasted. Copyright Paul Barriball

Fresh track between St Ives and St Erth. Copyright Paul Barriball.

From the footbridge on the St Ives to Carbis Bay footpath. Nicely ballasted track. Copyright Paul Barriball.

Carbis Bay Approach. Copyright Paul Barriball.

The approach to Carbis Bay station. Copyright Paul Barriball

The work proceeding towards Hawkes Point - at this time the old ballast still to be replaced. Copyright Paul Barriball

Many thanks to Paul Barriball and also to Graham Mann who contacted him on our behalf.

Item 2102 Reopening the branch to Okehampton - A collection of pictures

Item 2102
Good news. Today, 18th March 2021 is the official launch of work on the Okehampton branch. The line now has a website:- https://dartmoorline.com/ Somewhat ironic that some 29000 tons of ballast will be moved to the line when at the end of the line is mothballed Meldon Quarry. Dave
Reopening the branch to Okehampton - A collection of pictures

Credition 70809 pauses 6C42 - new sleepers at Crediton on route to Okehampton. Copyright Alan Peters

Okehampton First Delivery of Sleepers 6C42 00.50 on the 14th January 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Class 70's to Okehampton

Colas Rail class 70's visited Okehampton with the first of many concrete sleeper trains for upgrading the line as part of the National Network, special dispensation has been given for class 70's by Network Rail and 70809 top and tailed with 70815 worked to Okehampton with 6C42 in the evening of 13th January where the sleepers were offloaded into Okehampton car park where Network Rail have set up a compound for working on the line. Looking back towards the station from the back of the train, note the bags of ballast to the right with the name of the new owners of the line.

Alan Peters

Class 70's to Okehampton

Colas Rail 70809 top and tailed with 70815 worked to Okehampton with 6C42 working back to Westbury on 14th January, 70815 is seen in the distance waiting to depart from Okehampton, this is the fixed distant signal for Okehampton, please note that all the pictures are taken under T3 conditions - Alan Peters

Class 70's to Okehampton

Colas Rail class 70's visited Okehampton with the first of many concrete sleeper trains for upgrading the line as part of the National Network, special dispensation has been given for class 70's by Network Rail and 70809 top and tailed with 70815 worked to Okehampton with 6C42, working back to Westbury on 14th January, 70815 is seen waiting to depart from Okehampton with the empty Salmon wagons, it is evident of the vegetation clearance undertaken by Network Rail - Alan Peters

Hi,
Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail.

Concrete sleepers continue to be stockpiled in the car park once the site of the turntable and engine shed, more sleeper trains are planned hauled by Colas Rail and GBRf.

The former Platform 2 Down Line, now a siding sees former DCR 31452 and resident 'Gronk' D4167 (08937) stabled with a rake of MKI and MKII coaches.

Alan Peters

Colas Rail Drivers and Groundstaff enjoy a brew courtesy of the Dartmoor Railway and their dog at Okehampton railway station on 2nd February 2021, with regard to route familiarisation for forthcoming engineering over the coming months as the line is upgraded ready to join the national network now ownership has been transferred to Network Rail.. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Concrete sleepers continue to be stockpiled in the car park once the site of the turntable and engine shed, more sleeper trains are planned hauled by Colas Rail and GBRf.. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

The former Platform 2 Down Line, now a siding sees former DCR 31452 and resident 'Gronk' D4167 (08937) stabled with a rake of MKI and MKII coaches. 2nd February 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

THIS SECTION (Item 2102) NOW CONTINUED AS A 'FOLLOW ON' TO THE COLEFORD JUCTION TO OKEHAMPTON SECTION.

Item 2101
Station refurbishment of
Bristol Temple Meads station
Work started January 2021

Since Christmas work has started on preparing the main train shed at Bristol Temple Meads for a much needed refurbishment. The current roof was substantially repaired and rebuilt between 1988 and 1991 but sadly appears to have received little if any maintenance since then. Thick moss and a considerable amount of grass can be seen thriving on the outside of the glazed areas and this in turn will have caused water to become trapped and start to seep through the joints and degrade the main fabric of the roof. Contractors have been assembling the first runs of scaffolding and building up protective hoardings that will remain in place for the duration of the project. The first six pictures were taken in early January 2021.
Guy Vincent

Bristol TM REFURBISHMENT Works (2) The plaque to commemorate the previous refurbishment in 1991. 13th January 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.

A nice night view of the illuminated main train shed at Bristol Temple Meads which is currently closed while scaffolding is erected inside as part of the roof refurbishment project. The traffic barriers placed across the running lines look bizarre to say the least! Photo by Charlotte Vincent
Cheers for now . Guy V